Crookstone Castle!

One of the first weeks we were here we were able to ride a bus around town. Steven, being the more observant person then me, noticed a Castle up on a hill as we rode by. It looked so cool from a distance that we decided that one day we would take a walk and go find it.

Well we ended up waking up early on Saturday to Google how to get there. We found out its only a mile walking distance from here and since it was a nice day we were going to do it. We got the boys all bundled up and we went for a walk.

Once we crossed the bridge over the river and walked half a block we were able to see it in the Distance. With the fog and the darker sky it was kind of eerie looking and so Rhys thought it was extremely cool.

We had directions to get there, but on the map there looked like there might be a faster way to cut through one of the neighbourhoods. We figured we'd try it and if it wasn't faster that we would at least get a nice walk in. Well, I don't think it was any faster but it did make us come across this gorgeous Church. We saw it from a distance and wanted to take pictures. While we were walking around a little walked up to me. She had been standing at the Bus stop a few feet away and asked me if there was anything she could do for me. I told her we had just seen the church and thought it was so pretty that we wanted to come and take some pictures. She then told me that she is the Property Manager of the Church and asked if we would like to see the inside of it. This sounded like fun, so we told her yes and so she got her keys and let us in.

The inside was just beautiful. Exactly like you'd imagine an old church to look like. It kind of reminded me a little of the Church in Sound of Music that they get married in, only on a much smaller scale. She told us some very interesting stories about it. It was built in 1894 and that it had once been in a different location. They ended up moving it brick by brick in 1942 and finally finished it in 1946. She didn't tell us why they moved it, but its fascinating to think of the process that they went through.

There were also some gorgeous Stain glass windows. They had such amazing colours coming through them with the sun. It was surprising since they weren't that noticeable from the outside. There was also a lady inside putting together some flowers in a vase for the service the next day and she said she had a few left over so she gave them too me. They were beautiful white roses and they had the most wonderful smell to them. Of course they invited us to their service on Sunday but we told them we would have to see if our schedule would work. They had their service at 11:00 and since our Church is at 10:00 there was no way we could go even if we wanted to, but it was really sweet of them to offer. She was very nice and was able to instruct us on the best way to get to the Castle from there and then we were on our way.

From there it was only a short walk over another bridge and then we were at the bottom of the hill. Its funny because it didn't seem like that big of a deal until I started to push the Buggy up it. For some reason I was just not able to do it. Luckily I had a nice, strong, handsome man by my side who was able to take over. =)

Once we got to the top we decided to leave the Buggy at the gate so that Gavin could wander around more. (This ended up being a very wise decision because there was mud all along the trail to get to the castle and I think the buggy would have gotten stuck.) I carried Gavin up to the top and let him down once we were actually on the stones of the Castle.

The Castle was made in 1100 and was attacked in a Siege in 1489. It left only one tower standing but there were originally 4. This is also the only Castle left standing in Glasgow, which is really sad.

We walked around the whole thing before we finally found the entrance. There's only one and its a small door, so we just started walking around the wrong way.

So, you go through this small hallway and it opens up to this big room. There's a hole in the ceiling so there's plenty of light. It was then that Gavin first said "Wow." We told him he was in a Castle so he wandered around saying "Wow, Castle." It sounded more like "astle" but it was still cute.

There were a few small side rooms that were really dark and only big enough for one person to stand in. There were also a few barred windows that Gavin was quite fascinated with. Once we were done exploring the bottom floor we found the stairs going to the next one. Since they are so old they were very hard to walk up. They were stone, so there wasn't a question of them not being stable, but they were SO uneven that you had to be careful not to let your ankle twist when you put your foot down.

On the Second floor there was a railing and you could look down into the first floor. (Remember how I said there was a hole in the ceiling.) I was very sad that we missed a cute picture opportunity because both Rhys and Gavin walked up to the edge very carefully and were craning their necks from far away trying to see down. But, we didn't get the picture taken so you'll all just have to use your imaginations.

This floor had a lot less rooms, but there was a hollowed out space that was the "Pantry" and a section that said they used to lock up their personal items since there was nothing like a bank or safe back then.

There was a small archway with some stairs that led up to another floor. And once again, Steven being the more observant of us noticed there was a little ledge across from it that we might be able to set our camera on to take a family picture. We took a few and were able to get some cute ones. We're not all looking at the camera, but since there's still all smiles I think they still turned out really cute.

Anyway, we then went through the arch way and up a few stairs to find a set of round staircase stairs. They were kind of scary to go up because it was so dark, but we did it. There was a small hallway and then we were in another little room. This one had a few windows so it wasn't completely dark, but it was darker then all the others.

This is where Gavin and my journey ended because there were ladders you had to climb to keep going. Gavin tried really hard but he couldn't even get on the bottom rung and there was no way I was carrying him up there. Rhys was able to do it though, so Steven and him climbed all the way to the top. Apparently there were 4 sets of ladders so it was a good thing that we didn't end up going. They said it was neat, and I was going to go when they came back but Gavin was so attached to me I didn't want to upset him. I figure that we'll be taking a few people that come and visit us anyway so I'll get my chance to climb up.

Climbing back down all the stairs was an adventure since its a lot harder going down in the dark then going up, but we all made it safely. Gavin seemed quite happy to get back in his Buggy for the ride home and even let us put his gloves on him.

Rhys was a good sport but near the end he kept telling us his feet hurt and he wanted to go home. Luckily the walk home was a little faster then the walk there since we decided to just go back the way the directions told us to. They were also happy because Steven made them Hot Chocolate to warm their little bodies up when we got home. Something that they both have started to really enjoy. =)

All in all it was a very fun trip and something I had always pictured us doing while we are here in Scotland. I look forward to many similar adventures before this trip is done. =)

Looking at the Castle from the bottom of the hill.

Our view as we were walking up to it. We walked around the right side, but the doors just on the left around the corner there.

Looking straight up from the side.

One of the windows Gavin was so obsessed with.

This is the big room on the first floor with the hole in the ceiling. You can see a door to a small room on the right.

A picture of one of the rooms... they were quite small.

Exploring the area where they kept their items locked behind that gate.

Gavin and me waiting at the bottom of the ladder for them to come back down.

One of our first attempts at a family picture.

I think this one is my favorite. Rhys isn't looking at the camera, but he still looks cute.

Rhys and me with the flowers that the ladies at the Church gave me.

Looking up at the Church.

One of the doors of the Church.

This is the view we saw from far away that made us want to come and see it.

Thanksgiving in Scotland!!

I know Thanksgiving was a few weeks ago, but I have been distracted with my drawing. I'll try and be better about posting.

Thanksgiving in Scotland was interesting. It was so strange to walk around the stores and see no decorations up. They just jumped right into Christmas after Halloween. The strangest part though, was sending Steven and Rhys to school. What, the who world doesn't recognize our Holiday.. what's that about? =) However, Rhys did tell me that they mentioned that it was Thanksgiving to his class, so it was nice to have it acknowledged.

Rhys was excited because I waited to start making dinner until he got home from School since we weren't eating until 7:00 anyway so Steven could eat with us. He was a wonderful help in the kitchen. His favorite was mashing up the Sweet Potatoes for me, but he wouldn't roll them around the marshmallows. He was too worried about his hands getting messed up. But he did hand me them to me and thought it was really funny when I kept trying to touch him with my gross hands.

I wasn't able to find stuff for Green bean casserole. Well, no fried onions, and what's green bean casserole without the onions? So we didn't have that. I also couldn't find stuff for my families Raspberry salad we always make so that was sad. And can you believe I forgot the rolls!?!? I'm very disappointed in myself. But we had Chicken (Not turkey since there was only 4 of us and Gavin wasn't going to eat it anyway) Stuffing, Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes, and Deviled Eggs. It was pretty successful if I say so myself. Gavin even tried everything. He didn't eat it, but he tried which is a huge thing for him. He ended up eating pancakes. =)

Black Friday was actually really fun. We woke up and got ready early so that after I took Rhys to school Gavin and I were able to ride the train into the city with him. We walked him to class and then spent a few hours shopping. I needed to get Birthday stuff for Steven and a few Christmas stuff, so it was nice to actually have a reason to shop. We were very successful in our trip and found everything we were looking for. It was nice because there were still a lot of shoppers, but it wasn't crowded and since there were not "amazing" deals, people weren't pushing each other. Definitely the way to spend Black Friday. =)

Steven ended up getting done early that day so Gavin and I met up with him and we went and had lunch. We had heard from Steven's family that we need to try Wagamama, and since there was one right by his school we decided to go there. We thought it was delicious!! Gavin didn't end up eating much (he's just so picky) but we were able to take the leftovers home and Rhys was able to have some, so it wasn't too bad.

We timed things perfectly, because after lunch we rode the train home and had just enough time to get Rhys from School. He loved seeing Daddy waiting there for him. It was cute.

Then we spent the rest of the day decorating the Christmas tree and putting up the stockings. I was really happy we found such a good deal on the tree. The whole thing was only £15, so I don't feel guilty about having one up. It just wouldn't feel like Christmas without a tree.

I have to admit, since I have so many Christmas decorations in Storage at home I was a little sad when the tree was done. There was nothing left for me to do. But, its worth the lack of Christmas Decorations to spend this Holiday in Scotland.

There are so many things we plan to do this month, I just hope that we get to do it all.

Wow... one day can change your whole life!

I can't believe it.. I'm shocked actually. I have been actively drawing for a week now... only a week. Its hard to imagine that its only been a week, because the way I feel about it has changed completely.

Of course I liked to draw. And even though Steven would tell me I was good, I didn't really believe him. He's my husband.. he's supposed to tell me I can do things. But, when I post a new picture onto Deviant art, I love waiting for the responses. People are liking what I'm doing.. which in a way validates how I feel about my drawing.

I don't want Steven to feel bad.. but in a way I think he understands. I've been telling him he's an amazing actor for YEARS now.. but it wasn't until he got into one of the best Graduate programs in the WORLD that he is finally starting to believe it. Its just nice having other people acknowledge something that you're doing.

Now I find myself torn between drawing more pictures and coloring the ones I already have drawn so they can go up on my account. Its a really hard decision and sometimes I wish I had a million arms so I could just do it all.

I'm also starting to make a wish list of new supplies that I want. The first being a Drawing Tablet. I'm able to color with the mouse, but it would be so much easier if I didn't have to. And of course there's the bigger drawing pad. I just don't have a lot of room on mine.

I just hope that this isn't a fluke... that I didn't just have one good idea and once they're all done then I'm out. Because.. that would be very sad...

For anyone interested in seeing my pictures, here's the link to my Deviant art account: http://kushkapa.deviantart.com/

Thanks for all the support guys!!!

"Obe you"

My sweet little Gavin is finally starting to talk more. He has a hard time pronouncing the words, so most of them are only half words, Like "ow" for Cow or "at" for Cat, but he's trying.

He walks around the house saying "Dadda, are you?" and its just the cutest thing ever. He also says "I did it" and "elp" for Help.

I've been working on getting him to say I love you for a few weeks now and he just smiles at me when I tell it to him. But the other day we were sitting on the couch as a family and Gavin turned to Steven and kept saying "Dadda" over and over again until Steven acknowledged him. Then, Gavin very adorably said "Obe you." It was the cutest thing ever! While I am a wee big jealous that Steven got the first I love you, I'm really happy that I got to hear him say it and even more so that it was just him saying it and not repeating it back.

After he said it to Steven, I tried to get him to say it to me and he just laughed and stuck his tongue out at me. The silly boy. But, it was cute and I wanted to write it down so I never forget. I love you my Gavin!

My Style!

So, I have always enjoyed coloring and doing the occasional doodle. It even got to the point that Steven would tell me that he wished I could take an art class at a local College. I would always laugh at him, but the idea does kind of intrigue me.

I love all kinds of art, but pencil drawings are my favorite. I particularly like the pictures that are shaded perfectly and that's the kind of thing I would love to learn to do. So, a few weeks before we moved to Scotland, Steven finally went to the store and he bought me an art pad and some new pencils. He got one for himself as well and it has been fun for me to watch him grow in his ability as well. He has become quite the artist. So much in fact, that I was really great about drawing in my book when he first bought it for me but as I watched him get better it kind of depressed me in a way. I mean, I was happy he was getting better, but it was intimidating me to keep going.

He finally bugged me enough (and gave me some good suggestions on what to draw) that I finally drew a few pictures that I am quite proud of. I finally have my niche. My style. And I am loving it.

I do better when I can visualize something in my head, or have an example to look at, as opposed to just creating something all on my own. So, I have started to draw Disney characters. But to spruce it up, they are not your typical Characters. I'm mixing and matching the stories and combining them together and it has been so much fun. Steven has gotten into it as well and gives me some ideas on what to do. So, if anyone thinks of some fun Disney scenes they'd like to see put to paper, let me know and I will see what I can do. =)

Halloween

Halloween in Scotland was a little different then I was expecting. When we first got here, I wasn't even sure that they celebrated it. But when I asked our friend Olivia about it she told me that not only do they celebrate it, but that Halloween is actually a Scottish Holiday that America kind of took over. We commercialize it more in the States, so its not quite so crazy over here, but they definitely celebrate it.

If you read my previous blog you saw that Rhys already celebrated a little by going to the Halloween Disco. Well, our Ward wasn't doing any kind of "Trunk-or-treat" because there just aren't enough kids in the Ward to make it worth the effort. We were however, invited to another Wards Halloween party on Saturday night because they had a lot more kids and were having one.

Of course we took the boys and it ended up being a lot of fun. A few families in the Ward were given rooms to decorate and do an activity in and so we took the boys around to all the rooms. One of them they decorated biscuits into pumpkins. (frosted cookies) Another one they had to draw their face on a paper with their eyes closed. Then they got to hit the ghost to get some candy to fall out of it. Then they got to go visit a pirate and tell a joke to get a part of his treasure. I think the boys favorite part was reaching into a pumpkin full of fake worms to search for fake insects. If you found one then you got a chocolate apple and for some reason those were a huge hit with the boys. Rhys didn't hesitate and stuck his hand right in. Gavin was intrigued until he actually touched it. Then I ended up having to reach in for him. The guy was really nice though, and still let Gavin have his apple.

The boys also got to eat a donut off a string without using their hands. Rhys was able to do it with no problems.. other then he was laughing a little bit. Gavin however got scared when the donut would get close to his face. He eventually just reached up and grabbed it down. I'm just glad he was trying to do things with Rhys.

A bunch of people brought food so we got to eat some yummy stuff. And of course all the kids ran around the Cultural Hall like there was no tomorrow. Rhys discovered the balloons and was in heaven. Gavin ended up finding a soccer ball and kicking it around. They were both really cute and I was happy to have a reason to get them both dressed up.

On actual Halloween there wasn't much going on except Steven had the day off from School which was wonderful. We also ended up getting our new laptop (Or more accurately my new laptop since its not a Mac and Steven doesn't like them as much) and so that was fun. Steven and I got to play some WoW together in the spirit of Halloween. (I know... we're kind of nerds.)

We weren't sure whether we should take the boys out Trick-or-treating or not. Olivia told us that some people do, but its just not very common. We didn't want to tell them we were going and then have them disappointed when no one opened their door for them. Then when I picked up Rhys from School I overheard some mom's talking about how they weren't going to go out because they didn't when they were little and they just didn't think it was necessary. Steven and I ended up deciding that if we saw any kids out trick-or-treating we would take the boys, but if not we would stay in. We didn't even see one kid, so we just stayed in. We were prepared though and had bought a bag of candy for them to still get to eat. Luckily Rhys is such a good boy and when we explained that Scotland was different and so we weren't going Trick-or-treating he just said okay and that was that. I was really proud of him.

We still head our traditional dinner of chilli. We usually get Tamales too, but we couldn't find them anywhere. We also had donuts, which the boys loves. We ended the evening watching a classic Halloween Movie, Hocus Pocus. It was just Steven and me, but it was fun. We didn't want to scare the boys. All in all, it was a fun time.

The boys in their costumes.

Daddy trying to get Gavin to smile.. it worked.

Rhys successfully eating his donut.

Gavin scared of his.

Reaching into the worms.

Halloween Disco

One of the biggest questions I had when we first arrived for our friend Olivia was whether or not they celebrate Halloween here. Well, I guess the joke is on us because apparently Halloween is actually a Scottish Holiday that America kind of took over and commercialized a bit. I didn't know that. I'm sure other people did, but I think that's kind of fun.

So, traditionally the kids all dress up in costumes and things but it isn't as common here for the kids to go Trick-or-treating. It does happen, but just not a lot. So, trying to stay in the spirit of Halloween we still bought the boys Halloween Costumes. We took them to the store and let them pick. Well, we let Rhys pick. There was only one option for Gavin and I don't think he would have really cared anyway. Of the 5 or 6 choices we gave him Rhys wanted to be a skeleton. It was the plainest one there, but Rhys just loved the mask. I'm not complaining though. It was on sale for only 3 pounds... can't beat that. =)

Anyway, there is a tradition at the Cardonald Primary School where Rhys attends and that is the Halloween Disco that they have. I'm not sure why those chose the 27th to do it, but it was still fun. It cost a pound for a ticket and the kids had to buy them at School. Rhys was so excited to take his pound with him, but he was really scared he'd forget to buy the ticket. I was really happy to tell me that his ticket was in his back pack when I picked him up from school.

To make it easier on everyone they had 3 different discos with different grades going together for an hour each. Because they were the youngest they got the first spot at 5:45.

It was fun walking Rhys up the hill and seeing all of the kids dressed up walking up there. I was surprised how varied the costumes were because I really couldn't find that many different choices when we were at the stores. But, maybe I just wasn't going to the right stores.

Anyway, all the kids were waiting outside when they opened the door. All of the parents were walking their kids in with them, but there were stairs and I had Gavin in the buggy so I couldn't make it up there. I asked Rhys if he needed me to go with him and he said he would be alright. I saw him hand over his ticket and everything so I figured he'd be okay.

So Gavin and I walked home and as we passed the Train Station there was Daddy getting off the Train. Gavin was thrilled to see him and it was nice having someone to walk the rest of the way with. (He normally doesn't get off that early, so it was a nice surprise.)

As we were walking in the door my phone started to ring and it was the school telling me that Rhys was upset and wouldn't go into the gym with the other kids. They weren't sure if it was the decorations or the noise but they weren't sure what to do and so they had him in their office. Of course I ran right back over and found him coloring away in her office. When I asked him what was wrong he just said he missed me and he didn't know what to do. So I asked him if I stayed and watched against the wall if he would stay and dance. He said yes, so I asked them if I could stay. They were very nice and there were a few other moms that were hanging against the wall as well, so I wasn't the only one.

It took Rhys a minute to get into it. He just stood there for a while until a little girl came up and asked him who he was. He lifted up his mask, she said hi, and then she grabbed his hands and pulled him onto the dance floor. I tried to get my camera out in time, but I wasn't fast enough. They disappeared for a bit and then he was back by himself. But he was still dancing and it was cute to watch.

They had a dancing competition with the P1 and then the P2 dancing. Rhys went crazy trying to win, but I think he was standing too far against the side so they really couldn't see him. But, there was another little boy doing these crazy dance moves, so I don't know if he would have won even if he had been in the middle, but I was proud of him for trying so hard.

I think my favorite part of the night was when "Thriller" started playing and all the kids screamed and then started freaking out. It was so funny. I will forever have the image of little kids jumping up and down to "Thriller" in my head.

When we left we were actually escorted through the halls to a different door and we got to pass Rhys' classroom. There were things hanging in the hall that the kids did and it was fun to get to see some of them. Rhys had fun pointing out the stuff he did to me and it made me happy to get a visual of where he is everyday since I didn't actually go to his classroom on that first day.

All in all it was a really fun time and Rhys ended up having a blast. Still not sure what we're doing on Halloween day, but I'm sure it will be fun!

Rhys waiting to head to the school.

When he was still just standing by himself.

After he made his friend he was a dancing fiend.

He was so stinking cute.

Taking a breather.